Adoption FAQs

What is the adoption fee?

Our adoption fee is $250 for dogs 7 years and younger and $180 for dogs 8 years and older. The fee covers (at a minimum) spay/neuter, core vaccines (distemper and rabies), fecal/deworming, Heartworm/Lyme/Ehrlichia/Anaplamosis testing, microchipping, and the general care of the animal.

For cats, the adoption fee is $85 for kittens under 1 year and $75 for cats 1 year and older. The fee covers (at a minimum) spay/neuter, core vaccines (distemper and rabies), fecal/deworming, FIV/FeLk testing, microchipping, and the general care of the animal.

We also have a Seniors For Seniors program. For adopters 60 years and older adopting pets 8 years and older, the fee is $100 for dogs and $40 for cats.

Where do you get your animals?

We rescue exclusively from the Prince George’s County Animal Shelter. While thousands of animals are being euthanized in our county, we purposely choose not to import animals from other areas because the need is so great here. A highly trained intake coordinator screens and selects the animals we can save.

Why does my current pet need to be fixed?

Part of our mission is to reduce the number of homeless animals in Prince George’s County and the surrounding area. There are simply too many animals and not enough homes. The only way to change that is to reduce the number of puppies and kittens being born; spaying or neutering our pets ensures that they will not add to the overpopulation.

How can I meet an animal that is not brought to an adoption event?

If the dog or cat you want to meet is not at the adoption event, there are two steps we need you to follow. First, fill out an application for the pet. Once you’ve submitted the application, send us an email at pgspca.adopt@gmail.com stating that you would like to meet this pet. If the application looks like you could be a good match, we will do our best to arrange a private meeting.

Why can’t I take a pet home from an adoption event?

Adoption events are designed to give potential adopters the opportunity to meet available animals and begin the adoption process. It also gives us a chance to meet you! We have had time to discover each animal’s personality and needs, and can help you determine if an animal is a good match for your family.

How long does the adoption process take?

The adoption process can take anywhere from a few days to a week or two. We do our best to contact approved adopters within one week, but this is not always possible. Please be patient, as the work to place the right pets in the right homes is all done by volunteers.

If I adopt an animal and it doesn’t work out—what can I do?

Our adoption contract states that if you cannot keep the animal for any reason, you will notify us. We make a lifetime commitment to our animals. We will take one of our adopted animals back at any time and will work to re-home the pet. Please understand our adoption fee is non-refundable.

I live out of the area, can I still adopt?

We are an all-volunteer group and do not operate a shelter. All of our animals are in foster homes. Due to our requirement for a home visit, we generally do not place animals more than an hour’s drive outside Washington, DC. Questions can be directed to pgspca.adopt@gmail.com.

The SPCA/Humane Society of Prince George’s County, Inc. is a nonprofit organization of volunteers dedicated to animal welfare. We are chartered by the State of Maryland, but we receive no state or county funds. Our activities are supported solely by contributions, dues and fundraising events.